PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced Subsidiary
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a): The diagram below shows a cross-section of a dicotyledonous plant
stem. Label the following structures: xylem, phloem, cambium, and
cortex.
Question Breakdown
• Topic: Plant anatomy and functions.
• Theory: Knowledge of dicotyledonous plant structure, specifically vascular
bundles and surrounding tissues.
• Type of Question: A labeling question that tests understanding of plant
anatomy.
• Pattern (2015-2023): Frequently appears in exams to test diagram
interpretation. Usually includes labeling vascular bundles, identifying xylem
and phloem, or describing their functions.
How to Approach:
1. Recognize key structures: Xylem, phloem, cambium, and cortex are
central features in plant stems.
2. Recall their locations in a dicot stem cross-section:
o Xylem: Inner side of vascular bundle.
o Phloem: Outer side of vascular bundle.
o Cambium: Thin layer between xylem and phloem.
o Cortex: Outer layer of the stem, outside the vascular bundles.
Theoretical Understanding:
• Xylem: Conducts water and minerals; lignified for support.
• Phloem: Transports sugars and nutrients.
• Cambium: Meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth.
• Cortex: Provides structural support and stores nutrients.
4
Mark Scheme (Results)
2025 Predicted Paper
Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
PAPER 2 Advanced Subsidiary
1
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
with an alternative response.
2
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
3
, PRACTICE PAPER FOR 2026 SUMMER EXAMS
Edexcel AS Biology Marking Scheme 2A 2025 Predicted
Comprehensive Marking Scheme
Question 1
(a): The diagram below shows a cross-section of a dicotyledonous plant
stem. Label the following structures: xylem, phloem, cambium, and
cortex.
Question Breakdown
• Topic: Plant anatomy and functions.
• Theory: Knowledge of dicotyledonous plant structure, specifically vascular
bundles and surrounding tissues.
• Type of Question: A labeling question that tests understanding of plant
anatomy.
• Pattern (2015-2023): Frequently appears in exams to test diagram
interpretation. Usually includes labeling vascular bundles, identifying xylem
and phloem, or describing their functions.
How to Approach:
1. Recognize key structures: Xylem, phloem, cambium, and cortex are
central features in plant stems.
2. Recall their locations in a dicot stem cross-section:
o Xylem: Inner side of vascular bundle.
o Phloem: Outer side of vascular bundle.
o Cambium: Thin layer between xylem and phloem.
o Cortex: Outer layer of the stem, outside the vascular bundles.
Theoretical Understanding:
• Xylem: Conducts water and minerals; lignified for support.
• Phloem: Transports sugars and nutrients.
• Cambium: Meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth.
• Cortex: Provides structural support and stores nutrients.
4
